When I use the term “solid surface” most people have no idea what I’m talking about. So the question you might have is, “why are you writing about stone solid surface shower kits when most people don’t even know what they are?” The answer is simple. These kits are durable, flexible and growing rapidly despite being relatively unknown. My goal with this article will be to grow your knowledge of this shower product.
What is stone solid surface exactly?
At this point you may want to know “what the heck is stone solid surface?”
……..It’s kind of like Corian………
Most people have heard of the countertop brand Corian made by Dupont. What they don’t realize is Corian is actually a man-made stone and epoxy aggregate (also known as stone solid surface). Basically “Corian” is to solid surface what “Kleenex” is to facial tissue…. it is a brand name which is synonomous with an entire product category.
With that being said this article is not about Corian or about countertops – it is about stone solid surface and its’ use as a contemporary low maintenance shower kit. Read further to learn 3 steps to take to evaluate selecting this material for your next shower remodeling project.
Step 1 – Start with a base – your shower’s foundation
The long term success of any shower enclosure rests solely on the shower base (also called a pan or tray). Whole most people are familiar with the disappointing performance of flimsy standard fiberglass builders-grade shower pans (these are the ones you see at the big-box stores), the cultured stone shower bases are more of a mystery. Here’s 3 tips to make the right solid surface base selection:
Tip 1 – Measure the size and sketch out the shape –
Stone bases are available in 37 standard sizes and common shapes (including squares, rectangles, NEO angles and even a curved front option). While selecting a standard size/shape is most cost effective any custom configuration (with your choice of drain location) is possible.
Tip 2 –Step it up…..or not ……(choosing your entry curb or ramp) –
A shower base design feature often overlooked (until it’s too late) is the height of the curb to get into the shower. If you have a family member who can’t step over a standard 4” high curb you have a shower which is difficult (or impossible) to use. Make your best choice with one of the following 3 entry options:
4” standard curb –This traditional curb height works well for a small corner or stand up shower where no family members have mobility issues.
A small NEO angle shower with a 4″ curb with a cultured granite shower pan
Low profile 1 ½” curb – A low profile curb creates a sleek, contemporary look and is easier to step over. In addition you can add a ramp extension to this base for wheelchair access down the road if you end up needing this functionality.
This low profile solid surface base was curved for a glass block wall
Wheelchair ramped entry – A cultured marble roll in shower can be made with a ramp built into the shower pan. These bases can be used in any sized space with the proper planning.
Tip 3 – Choose a color –
With over 35 colors you’ll be able to match, or contrast, your other bathroom decor. The top of this base is prefinished so there is no additional finishing work required.
Step 2 – Select your solid surface panels
While the solid surface pan is the “Rodney Dangerfield” of the shower kit (i.e. it’s the functional foundation which is constantly being stepped on and unnoticed) the wall panels are the focal element which captures the eye and the glory. Not only are these panels waterproof, durable, made in one-piece panels and grout free – they offer a wide range of design options to take your bathroom remodeling project to the next level. Let’s explore 3 design choices:
Design Choice #1 – Smooth and glossy – If smooth, clean-looking and low maintenance are the ticket for you, high gloss solid surface is the answer. I just love the shiny appearance of the black and white bathroom below. The black high gloss wall panels really make this space pop.
Design Choice #2 –12” x 12” stone tiles – Imagine the elegance of 12” x 12” stone tile while eliminating the challenge of cleaning grout. This solid surface wall panel pattern can be made as large as 106” x 96” and it’s even possible to include a decorative trim border.
12″ x 12″ stone tile pattern with a 3/8″ thick cultured granite wall system
Design Choice #3 –Subway tile – The classic simplicity of the early 20th century subway tiles are exploding in popularity in today’s modern bathrooms. Whether you select a classic white or 35 other colors, you’ll love the classic look and low maintenance of this wall panel solution.
White subway tile molded cultured granite wall panels are simple to maintain
Step 3 – Don’t forget the cannoli’s….oops I mean the accessories
I love the line in the Godfather after the mobsters make their “hit” when one guy tells the other guy “don’t forget the cannoli’s.” As an Italian (and cannoli lover myself) I don’t miss the sweet finishing touch of dessert at the end of a meal. Much like dessert is the finishing touch of a meal, accessories are the finishing touch of your shower kit. Here’s 3 practical accessories ideas:
Idea 1 – Add niches and shelves – You’ll need places to house your stuff (shampoo, soap, sponges, razors etc.) and keep yourself safe by not placing slippery bathroom products on the floor. The way to accomplish this is with recessed niches, corner shelves or corner caddies.
A double corner caddy for soap and shampoo in a solid surface stone tile shower
Idea 2 –Take a seat – A luxury spa shower is not complete without a place to relax and unwind after a long day of work. Solid surface shower seats and benches come in a variety of standard and custom sizes which work well in moderate to larger showers.
This corner seat is textured on the bottom and can be designed for any corner of the shower you’d like
Idea 3 –Personalize with shower trim – Elegance and details are permanently joined at the hip. For a finishing touch you can create a custom “woodwork” appearance by adding solid surface crown moldings, rope trim or decorative inside or outside trim pieces.
This decorative rope trim adds a nice finishing touch
Do you now have a better understanding of how to select a solid surface shower kit? Please call or comment below for additional design input or a free estimate.
For a local installation project call The Bath Doctor in Cleveland (216-531-6085), Columbus (614-252-7294) or for nationwide supply Innovate Building Solutions (877-668-5888).
If you’re a remodeler or builder and want practical advice on remodeling products, industry trends, marketing and sales tips to grow your business (and cut day to day hassles), start reading my newest blog – Innovate Builders Blog. It’s packed with ideas you can use now. Click here to Sign Up for the Innovate Builders Blog.
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
Donna – our main locations are in Cleveland and Columbus Ohio – and we have more displays in our Cleveland location – including solid surface wall panels and bases and also our laminate wall panels. Feel free to call us if you’d like to make the trip. We can be reached at 877-668-5888 – Mike
Donna
Do you have a showroom or way to see samples? We live in So, IN very near Louisville, KY. Solid surface is exactly what we’re looking for.
Donna – solid surface – or our popular laminate shower wall panels can be installed by a DIY’er. I will say the laminate wall panels are simpler to install than the solid surface ones though because the panels are only 26 lbs. and the solid surface wall panels are heavy and bulky (note a 60″ x 96 solid surface shower wall panel will weigh about 120 lbs.). Mike
Donna
Can anyone install, or do you need a specialized person? If so, are there installers in Iowa? Thank you
Deb – we have a new dealer of our products in Shorewood Minnesota – but I’m not sure how close this is to you. Feel free to call us at 877-668-5888 for more information – Mike
Deb griffin
Do you have installers in Minnesota? Specifically red wing, Hastings Minneapolis area….
Helen we do have a dealer – JF Homebuilders and Remodelers, who is an installing dealer. Are you looking for simply the materials to DIY the project or to have it professionally installed? Feel free to call us or reply back here – Mike – 877-668-5888
Helen Leiting
Mike
We are planning on remodeling our bathroom . Is there anywhere near Madison or Milwaukee WI that we could go and see these laminated wall panels in person to know what to buy? Love this concept and your pictures of the product looks great. Do you have a catalog with pricing. We are thinking of doing a shower 60 x 42.
Appreciate your feedback.
Shelly – while we don’t install in GA we can wholesale materials to you and also assist you or your contractor through the installation process. Feel free to call us at 877-668-5888 for more help. Mike
Shelly
We are interested in installing this in our home, do you install in Ga orbcan tou recommend who’ is in Georgia.
Thank you!
Kevin – thanks for your question. The cost for a 60 x 36 solid surface standard shower pan, wall panels and the installation adhesives would be about $2,000. You can choose any of the 51 standard gloss patterns. Can we help you any further?
Roger – we carry the Onyx brand of solid surface which we wholesale across the United States and install through our remodeling divisions in Cleveland and Columbus. How did you get into the solid surface fabrication business? How’s business for you right now?
roger spade
do you carry your own brand of solid surface? I am a solid surface fabricator and always looking for new colors and brands. thanks roger
Mike Foti
Donna – our main locations are in Cleveland and Columbus Ohio – and we have more displays in our Cleveland location – including solid surface wall panels and bases and also our laminate wall panels. Feel free to call us if you’d like to make the trip. We can be reached at 877-668-5888 – Mike
Donna
Do you have a showroom or way to see samples? We live in So, IN very near Louisville, KY. Solid surface is exactly what we’re looking for.
Mike Foti
Donna – solid surface – or our popular laminate shower wall panels can be installed by a DIY’er. I will say the laminate wall panels are simpler to install than the solid surface ones though because the panels are only 26 lbs. and the solid surface wall panels are heavy and bulky (note a 60″ x 96 solid surface shower wall panel will weigh about 120 lbs.). Mike
Donna
Can anyone install, or do you need a specialized person? If so, are there installers in Iowa? Thank you
Mike Foti
Deb – we have a new dealer of our products in Shorewood Minnesota – but I’m not sure how close this is to you. Feel free to call us at 877-668-5888 for more information – Mike
Deb griffin
Do you have installers in Minnesota? Specifically red wing, Hastings Minneapolis area….
Mike Foti
Helen we do have a dealer – JF Homebuilders and Remodelers, who is an installing dealer. Are you looking for simply the materials to DIY the project or to have it professionally installed? Feel free to call us or reply back here – Mike – 877-668-5888
Helen Leiting
Mike
We are planning on remodeling our bathroom . Is there anywhere near Madison or Milwaukee WI that we could go and see these laminated wall panels in person to know what to buy? Love this concept and your pictures of the product looks great. Do you have a catalog with pricing. We are thinking of doing a shower 60 x 42.
Appreciate your feedback.
Mike Foti
Absolutely Clayton – we can ship to you in California. Give us a call at 877-668-5888 and we’ll go over your project and pricing. Mike
DJ
Am i able to purchase wholesale materials to be shipped to CA? Thank you
John Wagner
Please send me a catalog.
John Wagner
3135 Madison 8270
Huntsville, Arkansas 72740
Mike Foti
Jean – we don’t have an installing dealer in Arizona yet – but we are working on it. Mike
Jean
Do you have installers in AZ?
Mike Foti
Shelly – while we don’t install in GA we can wholesale materials to you and also assist you or your contractor through the installation process. Feel free to call us at 877-668-5888 for more help. Mike
Shelly
We are interested in installing this in our home, do you install in Ga orbcan tou recommend who’ is in Georgia.
Thank you!
Shelly
Mike Foti
Kevin – thanks for your question. The cost for a 60 x 36 solid surface standard shower pan, wall panels and the installation adhesives would be about $2,000. You can choose any of the 51 standard gloss patterns. Can we help you any further?
Kevin Couch
Mike, what kind of cost would there be for subway tile panels for a 3 x 5 shower, with a pan.
Mike Foti
Roger – we carry the Onyx brand of solid surface which we wholesale across the United States and install through our remodeling divisions in Cleveland and Columbus. How did you get into the solid surface fabrication business? How’s business for you right now?
roger spade
do you carry your own brand of solid surface? I am a solid surface fabricator and always looking for new colors and brands. thanks roger